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CONTROLLED STRESS INDUCTIONS OF GFP TRANSGENE IN ARABIDOPSIS. J.N. Gelinas¹, A-L Paul², R.J. Ferl^{2 1}University of Alberta, ²University of Florida

Transgenic Arabidopsis containing the alcohol dehydrogenase gene promoter linked to the Green Fluorescence Protein reporter gene (Adh/GFP) has been created in order to assess the potential stresses associated with spaceflight.  Through the use of fluorescence imaging technology, quantitative rt-PCR, and gel electrophoresis, the effects of controlled inductions on Arabidopsis were observed and analyzed.  Patterns of expression and tissue specificity for various inductions, such as high salt concentration and hypoxia, were not identical.  Qualitative imaging was supported by the numerical data gathered from rt-PCR, indicating that intensity of fluorescence can be accurately correlated with GFP mRNA concentration.  The data gathered in this investigation was part of a simulated spaceflight experiment in which hardware and science operations were integrated.  Comparisons of age-matched ground controls and flight plants demonstrated that environmental conditions (excluding microgravity) on board the orbiter do not significantly alter GFP expression.

     (Supported by NASA and Spaceflight and Life Sciences Training)